After a week of being without a gym membership, I started up again at 24. Pretty stoked because it gives me the opportunity to workout on my lunch. The nearest location is a 5 minute jog, so it's freaking sweet.

Today I signed up and was so pumped that I stuck a new 1 RM max on the bench press. Just 20# away from being able to do 45# (20.4 kg) plates! Coincidentally, that is also bodyweight (61.2 kg). So, close to hitting two goals!

I will butt in here. I use the sauna to relax muscles, to support stretching by having the muscles already warm, to encourage hydration, and to sweat and simply mentally relax. I think it can do great things for muscles, for lowering stress and for encouraging stretching and increased hydration. Some will say it helps them "detox" too by sweating.

So Big M, sorry I'll miss you on Super Bowl Sunday...just learned of the vegan party today and I know you already have plans. We'll find another day to do a gathering...maybe in late Feb before I head out for the year.

Peace.....train hard, eat plenty.

Thanks for posting the workout pics on the site!

Can't wait to see the 2nd batch when I was in better shape. Always progressing........

Great rundown on the Sauna, RC. My favorite aspect of the Sauna is getting to sweat and being able to take time to reflect on my goals. The Finnish (creators of the Sauna) treat the Sauna almost like a church.I always have thought that was neat. If nothing else, I think it helps mr psychologically with what I do in the gym.

I've been thinking a lot recently, while training, about something RC said to me. He said, if full body compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and presses are the most effective, why do we waste time on anything else? I think it's really helped me refocus my training. I'm spending a lot more time on quality exercises now which are much more challenging. I can feel the difference on my muscles. Thanks RC!

Anyway, that's it for now! Thanks for stopping by Stephanie and RC. I really appreciate it and your great comments pressure me to keep my log updated! Haha.

I really believe that philosophy more and more the more I think about it. I haven't touched a cable or machine in nearly 2 months. I stick to dumbbells, barbells and bodyweight exercises. If certain exercises give us the greatest benefit by challenging our muscles the most, shouldn't we do those exercises most often and in some cases, exclusively? It seems like if you use analogies like this in other areas of life, we'd draw the same conclusions, so why should fitness or weight training be any different?